CompassRed Amateur Peloton - First Ride Recap

CompassRed, that group of young at heart data science focused professionals, has jumped on board the Covid-Era embracement of cycling. With the Tour de France ending what seems to have been an extremely successful mid-pandemic event, it became clear to founding partner Patrick Callahan that it was time for CompassRed to take the next step:

And with that, the seeds of a cycling dynasty were born. HR has adjusted the dress code to make each riding day “Track Suit Thursdays”. More to follow on that front.

Excitement level for the ride was palpable. The crew convened outside of our office space in the new CSC building in downtown Wilmington.

The route for the ride was preordained by the great people that created the Jack A. Markell trail, which starts in the back of our parking lot and extends to historic Newcastle.

Due to client commitments, the ride got off to a late start, around 5:15PM. With sunset before 7PM, there was some angst for the timing of the return from this adventure.

Winding along the Christiana River in downtown Wilmington, the riders faced an immediate test of willpower as we passed outdoor seating venues at Bank’s Seafood, Docklands, Constitution Yards, Iron Hill, Big Fish Grill. We persevered, and weaved in and out of walking traffic down the boardwalk and paved trail and up a small hill to the Dupont Environment Center.

2.5 miles were in the books and the group felt strong and excited to continue through the marshes of the Christiana River.

It was around the time of passing directly over the Christiana River, it became clear to all involved that the bike ride should become a regular activity in the life of CompassRed. By unanimous vote, we named ourselves the CompassRed Amateur Peloton.

We found the JAM trail to be smooth without excessive climbing, which suited our skill level. Be warned, there is a tunnel that may seem dangerous and scary. Our group evaluated the situation and voted whether to proceed. By the slimmest margin of one vote, we decided to continue, thanks to the powerful headlight on the lead bike.

At about the 6.5 mile point, after about 35 minutes of riding, we hit Delaware Street (Rt 273), which was fairly busy. Not realizing how close we were to the end of the trail in historic Newcastle, the group shamefully decided to turn around and head back, again deciding by the slimmest of 1 vote margin.

The path on return was less crowded and afforded views of a hawk and a nice red winged blackbird. No orioles were seen though. That’s a goal for future rides.

As we rolled back into Wilmington, surprise of all surprises, we found the ride organizer, who mysteriously wasn’t able to join the ride? We will need to investigate this...

The ride completed in about 70 minutes, including the stops, covering about 13 miles. Post ride celebration of drink and snack was held in the parking lot.

About the Bikes

Our lead bike today was a Trek FX 7.1 hybrid, purchased at Cycle Fit of Delaware County. All 7 rear gears were used on this mostly flat ride, with a few climbs on bridges. This bike drops the chain when adjusting the front chainring, so only the middle ring was used. Bike shoes for the ride provided by ASICS.